Picamilon represents a synthetic combination of the GABA neurotransmitter and vitamin B3, also known as niacin. This nootropic substance has the capability of providing vasodilatatory and anxiolytic effects which can offer many benefits to consumers. This substance was first developed in the former U.S.S.R. and actually represents an enhanced form of the neurotransmitter GABA and is able to cross the blood brain barrier, unlike GABA itself.

Due to its metabolism in the brain, this substance breaks into its two original parts, GABA and niacin. Vitamin B3 or niacin has a vasodilatatory effect on brain blood vessels and enhances blood flow, while GABA works as an inhibitory neurotransmitter which provides calming anxiolytic effects.

Similar to other nootropics which affect the neurotransmitter concentrations and brain receptors activity, prolonged use of picamilon could lead to tolerance which requires additional doses, yet this nootropic is best cycled. All of the studies which have been done in the past were conducted in U.S.S.R. and in scientific terms is available in abstract forms. This article provides facts given by these abstracts.

Mechanism of action

As said, picamilon represents a combination of vitamin B3 and GABA. This combination breaks after it passes blood brain membrane. Lower concentrations of GABA could lead to increased stress, so additional GABA concentrations delivered by this nootropic many lead to an anxiolytic effect. GABA reduces neuronal excitability and brings an individual into sedated state which may help a person to relax.
On the other hand, niacin has potent vasodilatatory properties. Numerous studies have shown that niacin increases blood flow to brain more efficiently. The additional blood brings more nutrients into the brain, as well as oxygen, which benefits the brain metabolism and cognitive enhancing effects of this substance.

Recommended dosage for picamilon

The recommended dosage for picamilon could be found in he Russian encyclopedia of drugs called RLSNET. This encyclopedia recommends a dosage of 20-50 mg taken 2 to 3 times each day for cerebrovascular conditions, and for calmative purposes this dosage could go from 200 to 300 mg for a 4 to 6 week period. One of the performed studies suggests that a dosage of 60-120 per day benefits elderly when it comes to modest depression. After dosing, it takes about an hour for a complete effect of this nootropic.

Picamilon potential interactions

The mechanism of action of this nootropic is linked to the GABA neurotransmitter, so using this substance with other medicine which interacts with this neurotransmitter should be avoided. This means that picamilon should be avoided in combination with antiepileptic drugs or benzodiazepines, which have an effect on GABA. As far as it comes to nootropic drugs which have the same mechanism, combination with phenibut should be avoided. Anxiolytic substances, such as bacopa, magnesium and aniracetam, should be avoided.
Another mechanism of picamilon is a vasodilatatory effect, so combination with drugs that enhance vasodilatation should be totally avoided. These include natural nootropics called vinpocetine and vincamine, as well as nitroglycerine and similar nitrate medicine, erectile dysfunction medicine such is Viagra, and antihypertensive medicine, since the combination of those could potentially lead to hypotension, shock and death.

Benefits of picamilon

1. Brain blood flow enhancement

This substance is listed as an essential medication for treating ischemia, cerebrovascular conditions and migraine in Russia. It has a vasodilatatory activity which is probably caused by the niacin part of the molecule. In a study which consisted of 28 patients has shown that this chemical is effective when it comes to chronic cerebral insufficiency.

2. Non-muscular relaxant

Picamilon has shown to be causing brain relaxation without an effect on muscle tissue, which especially benefits sportsmen. The sedative part of myorelaxation is totally avoided when this substance is used, unlike for brain activity which is normalized and relaxed. Another comment from the studies linked to sportsmen is that picamilon supports people who work under the conditions of great stress.

3. Learning and cognitive effect

When compared to piracetam in some studies, picamilon has shown a better effect on learning. After amnesia related to electroshock, rodents in the study were able to improve their water maze navigation (a test designed for the ability of learning).

4. Normalizing / Anti-stress effect

Picamilon has helped the respondents in the studies for chronic stress, bringing the brain to a normalized state. The stress mostly increases lipid peroxidation in brain which leads to a much lower concentration of endogenous antioxidants in body. Lower concentration of antioxidants allows oxidants to disrupt the normal metabolism and cause oxidative stress which could lead to many conditions and diseases. One area of research has noted that the effect of picamilon was significant enough to lower the stress levels of lipid peroxidation and cause the identical level with control group, which was not under a stress.

How safe is it?

In therapeutic doses, which are given above, picamilon hasn’t shown serious or even mild side effects. Numerous studies have shown that human patiens, who have used picamilon in recommended doses, haven’t suffered from side effects. Yet, then Russian encyclopedia for drugs has listed headache, lightheadedness, nausea, agitation and anxiety (paradoxically) as plausible side effects. Patients who suffer from kidney disease should avoid picamilon use and consult a medical professional before any usage of this nootropic.